I haven’t written in so long — I’ve been cooking and eating but I haven’t had time to write and I keep forgetting to take pictures when I cook. UGH! So instead of a recipe today I want to share my surprise trip to Chelesea Market.
Last week I was in New London, Connecticut shooting a customer video. I was supposed to fly home on Friday September 11. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate with me. A wind and rain storm settled in on the East Coast that morning. Undaunted, I drove two hours to LaGuardia, braved the wind and rain to fill the tank and check in my rental car. Then I took the shuttle to the terminal and wondered how long my flight would be delayed. When I checked in the flight was on time and all was going far too well for me. By the time I made it through security my flight had been canceled! The gate agent urged me to go get a hotel before they were gone as the weather was expected to worsen rather than improve. When you get that kind of advice, you take it and quickly.
So, I claimed my luggage and had my travel agent find me a room in New York. Because I was contending with September 11, the U.S. Open and the MTV Video Music Awards; rooms were not easy to come by and I ended up staying in the Sheraton Manhattan (as a side note avoid this hotel at all costs). And it was wet, very wet, as you can see below.
In spite of the weather I made my way to Chelsea Market as I had never been there before. I tried unsuccessfully to stop into several places but had the worst time getting service — imagine that, bad service in Manhattan!
Chelsea Market was not what I expected. I expected European style food market or Pike’s Market in Seattle but it was more like a collection of restaurants and food shops. Before you start spamming me — yes, there were vegetables, a fish monger and a butcher. It just was not what I expected. I kept thinking that if I walked around a corner it was going to open up into a food market but unfortunately I never found that corner. (and Security wouldn’t let me up to the Food Network. Don’t they know I write a food blog!)
After walking and getting soaked in the rain, I was freezing and famished. I found an adorable place called “The Green Table” and stopped in for some lunch. That was a FIND!
I ordered the Chicken Pot Pie and a glass of Chardonnay (unfortunately I don’t remember who made the Chardonnay as it was a very forgettable wine; not bad just lacking any distinction that made it worth remembering). The pot pie however was a different story. The filling was like a big bowl of Thanksgiving happiness without the two days in the kitchen. The chef used lots of black pepper, fresh sage and vegetables. The homey aroma hit me and made my mouth water before the server even had the plate on the table. The broth was thick and hearty but not overly rich and certainly not overpowered by cream which is a common pot pie faux paux. The crust was flaky and delicious, it may have been pre made pastry crust I’m not sure and I don’t even care, it was perfect. So perfect that I ate the entire thing!
If I hadn’t been eating in front of a window to the courtyard I may have ignored the fact that I was out in public and licked the bowl. This was pot pie the way I would make it if I thought to put the sage in it. I was able to see the baked eggs and salmon entrees as well and they looked equally delicious and were also quickly devoured.
If you have occasion to stop by the Green Table, do so. You’ll enjoy it!
That Chard sounds like it proves my Big Mac theory. I don’t blame you, that Pot Pie looked delicious… I would have licked the bowl too!
Cheers!
I’m going to NYC next weekend…I may just need to check it out!
two other places to check Artisanal Cheese (on 10th I think) and Patsis in the MeatPacking District great French Bistro, you’ll feel like you are in Paris!
Hi,
I enjoyed reading it:)
The pot pie looks yummy..thanks for sharing
I think the experience you’re looking for is at Union Square Greenmarket — which is very much an open-air food market, which Chelsea Market is not.
They’re two different experiences….both good in their own way. I prefer USGM however, mostly because it’s 4 subway stops away from my apartment.
Next time I’m in NYC I’ll try that. Thanks!
Nice, you made good out of a bad situation and visited there. I’d like to get there myself someday.
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